Anyone recognize this?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
Is this a grille from a 1951/52 Ford truck with 2 extra bars? Nope, don't think so. It appears to be 1952 DeSoto grille that has been cut down, removing several teeth.
The pointy shape of upper section of the teeth mimics the shape of Hernando DeSoto's helmet, which along with his head/torso was used for Desoto grille/trunk emblems for many years..
1951/54 DeSoto griiles were very poplular with customizers. When the center bar is painted flat black, the teeth appear "to float" without any visible means of support.
The pointy shape of upper section of the teeth mimics the shape of Hernando DeSoto's helmet, which along with his head/torso was used for Desoto grille/trunk emblems for many years..
1951/54 DeSoto griiles were very poplular with customizers. When the center bar is painted flat black, the teeth appear "to float" without any visible means of support.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,769
Likes: 547
From: Kalispell, MT
I think its just a standard 52 with 2 extra chromed teeth. The shadows and lighting along with all that shiny black paint cause the bar to look smaller and the teeth to stand out more.
The hood and upper valance have been shaved and filled too. Nice custom work.
edit: for Scott - thanks - its a pretty decent F2 but I should quit stealing parts from it. Just took the engine for my 48 last fall (temporary until I get the merc rebuilt) and borrowed its recovered seat for the 50 F4. On the other hand I replaced the lower valance with one I got from Ross and I have runningboards from one of the fte guys in Lethbridge. It will run again one day.
The hood and upper valance have been shaved and filled too. Nice custom work.
edit: for Scott - thanks - its a pretty decent F2 but I should quit stealing parts from it. Just took the engine for my 48 last fall (temporary until I get the merc rebuilt) and borrowed its recovered seat for the 50 F4. On the other hand I replaced the lower valance with one I got from Ross and I have runningboards from one of the fte guys in Lethbridge. It will run again one day.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
51 trucks with 6 cyl engines had a smooth upper latch panel, no fill needed. 51 trucks with V8 engines had a V8 emblem attached to the upper latch panel, and 52s had FORD letters in the same panel as in Tim's picture above.
The grille is a 51-52 with two extra teeth added. I bet the extra teeth and rt and lt teeth from another grille. I just sold two teeth from a grille to a guy in Texas to customize his, and have another person interested in other teeth.
The grille is a 51-52 with two extra teeth added. I bet the extra teeth and rt and lt teeth from another grille. I just sold two teeth from a grille to a guy in Texas to customize his, and have another person interested in other teeth.
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
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